CN114257897A

CN114257897A - Internal ventilation mechanism for audio system with non-porous membrane

Info

Publication number: CN114257897A
Application number: CN202111039046.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·梁; A·L·道尔; N·T·维特; 王颖翌; D·W·罗宾逊
Original assignee: Apple Inc
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2020-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-06
Publication date: 2022-03-29
Also published as: US20220095024A1; US20240121541A1; US11889249B2

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an internal ventilation mechanism for an audio system having a non-porous membrane. An electronic device may include a housing, an audio component, and a gasket. The housing may define a first interior volume and the audio component may define a second interior volume. The audio component may include a membrane and a ventilation element having a fluid impermeable layer. The vent element may define a fluid path placing the first interior volume and the second interior volume in fluid communication. At least a portion of the fluid pathway may extend parallel to the fluid impermeable layer. The gasket may define a seal between the first interior volume and an ambient environment adjacent the housing.

Description

Internal ventilation mechanism for audio system with non-porous membrane

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present disclosure claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/179934, entitled "INTERNAL VENTING MECHANISMS FOR AUDIO SYSTEM WITH NON-POROUS membersne", filed on 26.4.2021 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/083045, entitled "INTERNAL VENTING MECHANISMS FOR AUDIO SYSTEM WITH NON-POROUS membersne", filed on 24.9.2020, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The described examples relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present examples relate to ventilated electronic devices.

Background

Recent advances in electronics have driven electronic devices to encompass smaller form factors while providing increased battery life, performance, and durability. These attributes have helped electronic devices (such as smart watches) that are portable and used for various activities, such as swimming, traveling, exercising, scuba diving, mountain climbing, backpack traveling, snorkeling, camping, fishing, cycling, and other activities. Indeed, portable electronic devices provide transient resources related to indoor and outdoor activities, such as monitoring or measuring heart rate, location information, barometric pressure, and the like. While portable electronic devices are desirable in a wide range of activities, the properties of the environment in which the portable electronic device is used (such as temperature, humidity, and pressure) can significantly affect the performance and functionality of electronic components within the portable electronic device. Accordingly, improvements and advancements in portable electronic devices may be desirable to withstand environmental attributes without inhibiting the functionality of the electronic device.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some aspects of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a housing at least partially defining a first interior volume; and an audio component defining a second interior volume. The audio component may include a membrane and a venting element. The venting element can define a fluid path extending from the first interior volume to the second interior volume and place the first interior volume in fluid communication with the second interior volume.

In some examples, the audio component includes a microphone. In some examples, the electronic device may be a smart watch or a smart phone. The venting element may comprise a fluid impermeable layer and at least a portion of the fluid pathway may extend parallel to the fluid impermeable layer. The fluid impermeable layer may define a channel extending from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. The channel may form at least a portion of the fluid path. The venting element may include a porous material disposed adjacent to the fluid impermeable layer. The porous material may define the fluid path. The porous material may comprise a metal. In some examples, the venting element may include a coil coupled to the fluid impermeable layer. The coil may at least partially define the fluid path.

In some examples, the ventilation element may include a first layer at least partially defining a first channel extending into the first layer from a central portion of the ventilation element. The ventilation element may include a second layer at least partially defining a second channel extending from a perimeter of the ventilation element into the second layer. The ventilation element may comprise a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid permeable intermediate layer may place the first channel and the second channel in fluid communication.

According to some examples, an audio component may comprise: a housing at least partially defining an interior volume; a membrane at least partially defining the interior volume; and a venting element in fluid communication with the interior volume. The vent element may define a fluid path extending from the interior volume to an ambient environment external to the housing.

In some examples, the fluid path may extend from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. In some examples, the ventilation element may include a first layer at least partially defining a first channel extending into the first layer from a central portion of the ventilation element. The ventilation element may include a second layer at least partially defining a second channel extending from a perimeter of the ventilation element into the second layer. The ventilation element may comprise a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid permeable intermediate layer may place the first channel and the second channel in fluid communication. The first channel and the second channel may extend parallel to the fluid-permeable intermediate layer. The width of the first channel may vary along the length of the first channel. The width of the second channel may vary along the length of the second channel. A region of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first channel and the second channel may place the first channel and the second channel in fluid communication.

The venting element may comprise a series of projections disposed along the length of the fluid path. In some examples, the ventilation element may include: a first fluid impermeable layer; a second fluid impermeable layer; and a porous layer disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer and the second fluid impermeable layer. The porous layer may define the fluid path. The porous layer may comprise a metal foam. In some examples, the venting element may include a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer. At least a portion of the fluid pathway may be formed by the fluid impermeable layer and the coiled member. In some examples, the venting element may include a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer. The coiled member may define a conduit extending through the coiled member, and at least a portion of the fluid path may be formed by the conduit. The audio component may be a speaker or a microphone.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a venting element for a portable electronic device may include a fluid impermeable layer defining a surface of the venting element. The venting element may include a fluid permeable layer disposed adjacent to the fluid impermeable layer. The fluid permeable layer may define a fluid pathway extending from a central portion of the venting element to a perimeter of the venting element.

In some examples, the fluid permeable layer may define a channel extending from a central portion of the venting element toward a perimeter of the venting element. The channel may form at least a portion of the fluid path. In some examples, the fluid permeable layer may comprise foam. In some examples, the fluid permeable layer may comprise a coiled tubular member.

Drawings

The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a portable electronic device.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the housing of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 1C illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device of fig. 1A.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of a portable electronic device.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 3B shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 3C shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 4B shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 4C shows a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation element of fig. 4B.

Fig. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 5B shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 5C shows a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation element of fig. 5B.

Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 6B shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 6C shows a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation element of fig. 6B.

Fig. 7A shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly.

Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the ventilation element.

Fig. 7C shows a top perspective view of the ventilation element of fig. 7B.

Fig. 7D shows a top view of an example of a ventilation element.

Fig. 7E shows a top view of another example of a ventilation element.

Fig. 7F shows a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation element of fig. 7B.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device.

Detailed Description

This description provides examples, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements discussed and that the various examples may omit, replace, or add other procedures or components as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in other examples.

Portable electronic devices may utilize electronic components having one or more membranes, such as audio components like speakers or microphones, air pressure vents, and the like. For example, the microphone may include a membrane that moves relative to sound waves applied to the membrane. Electronic and/or electrical components within the microphone may convert the movement of the membrane into electrical signals that may be transmitted to other components of the portable electronic device. The membrane and microphone housing may define a volume that experiences a change in relative pressure (e.g., pressure within the volume relative to pressure of the surrounding environment outside the volume). For example, the temperature and/or atmospheric pressure resulting from immersion in a liquid may change the relative pressure within the volume. Fluctuations in the relative pressure may degrade the operation of the membrane or otherwise result in poor microphone performance. Thus, venting the volume defined by the membrane and the microphone housing may facilitate adjusting the relative pressure within the volume. One option for venting the membrane utilizes a porous membrane that can vent fluid through the membrane itself. However, porous membranes can expose portable electronic devices to the ingress of contaminants, such as dust, sand, debris, fluids, corrosive materials, and other types of organic and inorganic materials.

The present disclosure relates to a venting element having a feature defining a fluid path that fluidly communicates a first internal volume of a portable electronic device with a second internal volume of the portable electronic device. For example, the portable electronic device may include a housing defining a first interior volume, and the portable electronic device may include audio components, such as a microphone assembly, a speaker assembly, or other audio components that form a second interior volume. The audio component may include a ventilation element disposed at least partially within the second interior volume. The venting element may comprise one or more fluid impermeable layers. The venting element can define a fluid pathway having a portion extending parallel to the one or more fluid impermeable layers and placing the first interior volume and the second interior volume in fluid communication. Accordingly, the venting element may provide a vent or fluid path between the audio component and the housing to adjust the relative pressure within the first volume. In some examples, the first interior volume may be in fluid communication with an ambient environment external to the enclosure through an air pressure vent disposed within a sidewall of the enclosure.

Portable electronic devices tend to be smaller form factors or otherwise tend to have electronic components that occupy less space within the housing of the portable electronic device. This trend can result in multiple electronic components being tightly packaged within a housing, disposed within a common interior volume. However, packaging components within a relatively small and confined space may present challenges, for example, the operation of one electronic component may diminish or degrade the effective operation of another electronic component. The microphone may, for example, be disposed within the housing and may be required to vent through the same portion of the housing that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the microphone to vent the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel to the microphone (e.g., through the fluid path), thereby reducing or diminishing the functionality of the microphone.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a venting element that defines a fluid path while also attenuating or reducing sound waves having a wavelength between 20Hz and 20 kHz. In other words, the fluid path defined by the ventilation element may act as a low pass filter that allows airflow through the fluid path while also attenuating sound waves above 20 Hz. For example, the layers of the venting element may define one or more channels that form at least a portion of the fluid path. The one or more channels may extend from a central portion of the ventilation element towards a periphery of the ventilation element. In some examples, two channels may be placed in fluid communication through a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the two channels. In some examples, the fluid-permeable intermediate layer may enable fluid to flow between the two channels, but prevent or inhibit sound waves from entering the second interior volume (e.g., the volume defined by the audio component).

As another example, the venting element may include a porous layer disposed between a first fluid impermeable layer and a second fluid impermeable layer. The porous layer may comprise a metal foam. As another example, the venting element may include a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer, and the fluid pathway may be defined between the coiled member and the fluid impermeable layer. In some examples, the coiled member may form a hollow channel or conduit (e.g., a hollow coiled tube), and at least a portion of the fluid path may be defined by the channel conduit.

Although the membrane support and the venting element are described herein as distinct and separate components of the audio component assembly in some examples, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that in some examples, the venting element may act as a membrane support (see fig. 3A-3C) and thus may define a fluid path that places two or more volumes in fluid communication. Any of the following examples depicted in fig. 1A-7F may be implemented by a venting element used as a membrane support, or may be otherwise implemented by a membrane support and a different venting element. Thus, any function or feature described herein in relation to the venting element may equally apply to the membrane support, and vice versa.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an enclosure or cover may be positioned over at least a portion of the audio component to prevent or inhibit secondary sound waves from negatively affecting the performance of the audio component. For example, when the microphone and speaker are each in fluid communication with a common volume (e.g., a volume formed by a housing of the portable electronic device), sound waves generated by the speaker may propagate into the volume of the microphone and degrade or otherwise interfere with the performance of the microphone. The enclosure or cover may enable fluid communication between the microphone and the volume while preventing or inhibiting sound waves generated by the speaker from degrading the performance of the audio component.

In an example, the enclosure or lid may be fluid impermeable except at the vent. The vent may enable fluid communication between the microphone and the volume such that a pressure differential between the microphone and the ambient environment may be equalized. The enclosure or lid may be directly coupled to the audio component, the housing of the portable electronic device, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the enclosure or lid may be formed of a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates acoustic waves. For example, the enclosure or lid may comprise a porous material, such as a metal or an elastomeric open cell foam. These examples, as well as others, will be discussed below with reference to fig. 8-10.

The specific embodiments described herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Further, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that includes at least one of the first option, the second option, or the third option should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that may include one (e.g., only one first option, only one second option, only one third option) per listed option, multiple (e.g., two or more first options) of a single listed option, two options at a time (e.g., one first option and one second option), or a combination thereof (e.g., two first options and one second option).

Fig. 1A shows an example of a portable electronic device 100. The portable electronic device 100 shown in fig. 1A is a watch, such as a smart watch. The smart watch of fig. 1A is merely one representative example of a device that may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. The portable electronic device 100 may correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, or other electronic device. The portable electronic device 100 may also be referred to as an electronic device or a consumer device. In some examples, the portable electronic device 100 may include a housing 102 that may carry operational components, for example, in an interior volume defined at least in part by the housing 102. The electronic device 100 may also include straps 104 or other retention features that may secure the device 100 to the user's body as desired. More details of the portable electronic device 100 are provided below with reference to fig. 1B.

FIG. 1B shows the housing 102 depicted in FIG. 1A. The housing 102 may be a substantially continuous or unitary component and may define one or

more openings

106, 108, 110, 112 to receive components of the portable electronic device 100 and/or provide access to internal portions of the electronic device 100. For example, one or more of the

openings

106, 108, 110, 112 may provide fluid communication between the ambient environment outside the enclosure 102 and one or more internal volumes within the enclosure 102 and/or electronic components disposed within the enclosure 102. The electronic components may be disposed within an interior volume defined at least in part by the housing 102, and may be attached to the housing 102 via an adhesive, an inner surface, an attachment feature, a threaded connector, a stud, a post, or other feature formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing 102 and/or cover and/or rear cover of the portable electronic device 100.

Fig. 1C shows a top cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device 100 depicted in fig. 1A. In some examples, the device 100 may include input components, such as one or more buttons 114 and/or crowns 116 that may be disposed in the

openings

110, 112. Audio component assembly 118 may be disposed in an interior volume that communicates with the exterior or ambient environment through opening 108. In some examples, audio component assembly 118 may include a microphone or a speaker. Other electronic components may be disposed within the interior volume of the housing 102, such as the haptic feedback module 120, the battery 122, and the speaker 124. Although the present disclosure refers to only some specific electronic components of the portable electronic device 100, it should be understood that the portable electronic device may include any number or variety of electronic components that may be included in the portable electronic device 100. For example, the portable electronic device 100 may include a display, a main logic board with a System In Package (SiP), one or more antennas, wireless communication circuitry, a camera, a second logic board, one or more sensors, and/or any other electronic components.

One or more of the electronic components disposed within the portable electronic device 100 may include a membrane (see fig. 2-6C) that requires venting to adjust the relative pressure within the volume to avoid damage to the membrane (e.g., inelastic deformation caused by the relative pressure on the membrane) and/or to achieve satisfactory operation of the electronic components. For example, audio component assembly 118 may include a membrane that at least partially defines a volume within audio component assembly 118. This volume may require venting to adjust the relative pressure within the volume and prevent damage to the membrane and to achieve effective functioning of audio component assembly 118. In some examples, a venting element (such as a membrane support or other component) may define a fluid path (as indicated by arrow 126 in fig. 1C) between the volume of audio component assembly 118 and the interior volume of housing 102. Thus, in some examples, the audio component assembly 118 may include a venting element that defines a fluid path (shown by arrow 126) to the interior volume of the enclosure 102 and various components disposed within the interior volume of the enclosure 102.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of the portable electronic device 100 disposed in the ambient environment 128. The block diagram of the portable electronic device 100 includes the housing 102, the audio component assembly 118 having the membrane 130 and the venting element 132, and the housing vent 134. The membrane 130 may be non-porous or fluid impermeable, and may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane 130 may have a thickness of about 10 microns, between about 3 microns and about 7 microns, between about 7 microns and about 12 microns, or less than about 30 microns. The membrane 130 and the audio component assembly 118 may define or otherwise form an audio component volume 136.

The audio component volume 136 may experience changes in relative pressure (e.g., pressure within the audio component volume 136 relative to the pressure of the ambient environment 128 outside of the audio component volume 136). For example, changes in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure may change the relative pressure within audio component volume 136. Fluctuations in the relative pressure may degrade the membrane 130 or otherwise cause the audio component assembly 118 to perform poorly. In some examples, audio component assembly 118 may include a membrane support (not shown). While the film support may be disposed adjacent to the film 130 to limit inelastic deformation of the film 130, the film support may not completely prevent degradation and damage to the film 130. Thus, venting audio component volume 136 may facilitate adjusting the relative pressure within audio component volume 136, thereby preventing damage to membrane 130. In some examples, the venting element 132 may provide a fluid path (shown by arrow 126) that places the audio component volume 136 in fluid communication with a volume defined by the housing (e.g., a housing volume 138). The housing volume 138 may be in fluid communication with the housing vent 134 to provide pressure regulation between the housing volume 138 and the ambient environment 128. In other words, the absolute pressure within the enclosure volume 138 may equalize or substantially equalize with the absolute pressure of the ambient environment 128. Since the venting element 132 provides fluid communication between the audio component volume 136 and the housing volume 138, the absolute pressure within the audio component volume 136 may also be equal or substantially equal to the absolute pressure of the ambient environment 128 through a fluid path (as indicated by arrow 126) that places the audio component volume 136 in fluid communication with the ambient environment 128 (i.e., through the housing volume 138 and the housing vent 134).

Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein may be included in a portable electronic device. The components may include any combination of the features described herein, and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of the components of the portable electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an interior volume, as well as the concepts related to the membrane and fluid path, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. An example of an audio component assembly for a portable electronic device that includes components having various features in various arrangements is described below with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly 200. The audio component assembly 200 may include a housing 202, a grille 204, a membrane 206, a venting element 208, a gasket or seal 210, and electronic components 212. The housing 202 may comprise any desired material, such as a polymeric material or plastic. The housing 202 may hold other components of the audio component assembly 200 that may be attached thereto. In some examples, the seal 210 may be attached, bonded, or otherwise secured to the housing 202. The seal 210 may comprise a compliant material, such as a polymer material like rubber or plastic. In some examples, the seal 210 may include silicone rubber. In some examples, the seal 210 may be overmolded onto the housing 202 and may directly contact the housing 202 and an enclosure of a portable electronic device (not shown) to provide a seal or barrier between an ambient environment (e.g., the ambient environment 128) and an interior volume of the device (e.g., the enclosure volume 138).

A grill 204 may be secured to the housing 202 and may serve as a physical barrier to prevent objects (such as dust or rocks) from damaging the audio component assembly 200. The grille 204 may be permeable to air or liquid, and the acoustic signal may pass through the grille to the membrane 206. The membrane 206 is movable relative to the acoustic waves applied to the membrane 206. The electrical components 212 within the audio component assembly 200 may convert the movement of the membrane 206 into electrical signals that may be transmitted to other components of a portable electronic device (e.g., the portable electronic device 100). For example, electrical component 212 may include one or more magnets, coils, wires, plates, capacitors, batteries, resistors, transistors, inductors, combinations thereof, or any other electrical component that may be used to fabricate an audio component.

In some examples, the venting element 208 may include one or more fluid impermeable layers. In some examples, the one or more fluid impermeable layers may define a surface of the ventilation element. The film 206 and other elements of the audio component assembly 200 may define an audio component volume 214. In some examples, where audio component assembly 200 is included in an internal volume of an electronic device, audio component volume 214 may be referred to as a second internal volume. For example, the membrane 206 and one or more of the housing 202, the seal 210, and the electrical component 212 may form or define an audio component volume 214. The venting element 208 may define a fluid pathway 216 that extends substantially parallel to one or more fluid impermeable layers and/or one or more surfaces defined by the fluid impermeable layers and places the audio component volume 214 in fluid communication with an interior volume 238 of the device (e.g., the enclosure volume 138 shown in fig. 1D). In some examples, the venting element 208 may be disposed adjacent to the membrane 206 and may serve as a membrane support element. That is, the venting element 208 may provide a stop or reinforcement that interfaces with the membrane 206 when the membrane 206 is deformed into the venting element 208. Additionally or alternatively, the audio component assembly 200 may include a different and separate membrane support element disposed adjacent to the ventilation element 208 (see fig. 4A-6C).

Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein may be included in a portable electronic device. The components may include any combination of the features described herein, and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of the components of the portable electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an interior volume, as well as the concepts related to the membrane and fluid path, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies for portable electronic devices that include components having various features in various arrangements are described below with reference to fig. 3A-3C.

Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly 300 disposed within a housing 301 of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly 300 may include a housing 302, a grill 304, a membrane 306, a venting element 308, a gasket or seal 310, and an electrical component 312. The housing 302 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other housings (e.g., housing 202) described herein. Grid 304 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other grids described herein (e.g., grid 204). Film 306 may include substantially similar features and functions as other films described herein (e.g., film 206). Seal 310 may include features and functionality substantially similar to other seals described herein (e.g., seal 210). Electrical component 312 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein (e.g., electrical component 212).

In some examples, the venting element 308 may include a fluid impermeable layer 314 and one or more apertures 316 extending through the venting element 308. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layer 314 may define a surface of the ventilation element 308. The fluid impermeable layer 314 may comprise a Heat Activated Film (HAF), a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), combinations thereof, or any other polymer based material.

As shown in fig. 3B, the ventilation element 308 may be planar and form a circular profile. Although the ventilation element 308 depicted in fig. 3B has a circular profile, the ventilation element 308 may have a profile similar to any geometric shape, such as a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. One or more apertures 316 may enable fluid communication between membrane 306 and electrical component 312. For example, movement of the membrane 306 may cause air to travel through an interior volume 318 formed within the audio component assembly 300. In this example, the venting element 308 may function as a membrane support, as described herein.

Venting element 308 can function as a venting element that defines or forms a fluid pathway (depicted as arrow 317 in fig. 3A) that extends parallel or substantially parallel to fluid impermeable layer 314. The fluid path may place the interior volume 318 of the audio component assembly 300 in fluid communication with a volume external to the audio component assembly 300. For example, the fluid impermeable layer 314 may form or define a channel 320 that serves as a fluid pathway for the internal volume 318 to be in fluid communication with another volume external to the audio component assembly 300. The channel 320 may spiral from a central portion 322 of the ventilation element 308 to a periphery 324 of the ventilation element 308. Although the channel 320 is depicted as a spiral in fig. 3B, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the fluid pathway may be defined by one or more channels having any of a variety of shapes, lengths, and locations around the fluid impermeable layer 314. In some examples, the ventilation element 308 may include one or more linear and/or curved channels, each channel extending radially from a central portion 322 of the ventilation element 308 to a periphery 324 of the ventilation element 308.

In some examples, the channel 320 may enable air to flow through the channel 320 to adjust the relative pressure within the interior volume 318 of the audio component assembly 300. Additionally or alternatively, channel 320 may attenuate sound waves traveling within channel 320 to reduce or prevent loss of function of audio component assembly 300. For example, the audio component assembly 300 may be disposed within a housing 301 of the portable electronic device and require ventilation through the same portion of the housing 301 that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the channel 320 to vent the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel (e.g., through the fluid path) to the audio component assembly 300, thereby reducing or attenuating the functionality of the audio component assembly 300. Accordingly, the channel 320 may be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate sound waves traveling through the channel 320. For example, the properties of the channel 320 may vary such that the channel 320 acts as a low pass filter that attenuates or reduces sound waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz.

The properties of the channel 320 may include width, length, depth, cross-sectional geometry, or a combination thereof. Any of the width, depth, and/or cross-sectional geometry of the channel 320 may vary along the length of the channel 320, for example, the width of the channel 320 may narrow near the perimeter 324 of the ventilation element 308 and widen near the central portion 322 of the ventilation element 308. Similarly, the depth of the channels may be shallower near the perimeter 324 of the ventilation element 308 and deeper near the central portion 322 of the ventilation element 308. The cross-sectional shape (e.g., the shape of the channel 320 taken through the length of the channel) may be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, oval, triangular, or any other geometric shape. Further, in some examples, the cross-sectional shape of the channel 320 may vary along the length of the channel 320.

In some examples, the ventilation element 308 may include one or more protrusions positioned along the length of the channel 320. As shown in fig. 3C, the ventilation element 308 may include a plurality of protrusions 326 disposed on a floor or base 328 of the channel 320. Protrusions 326 may be provided within the channel 320 to attenuate or further attenuate sound waves traveling through the channel 320. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the protrusions 326 may be disposed on the sidewall 330 of the channel 320 to attenuate or further attenuate sound waves traveling through the channel 320. Each of the protrusions 326 may extend from a base 328 and/or a sidewall 330 of the channel 320. The protrusions 326 may be deposited, printed, machined, adhered, attached, etched, molded, or otherwise disposed on the base 328 and/or sidewalls 330 of the channel 320.

Although the channel 320 is described as being formed on the fluid impermeable layer 314 of the venting element 308, in other examples, the channel 320 may also or alternatively be formed on a separate and distinct fluid impermeable layer of the venting element disposed adjacent to the venting element 308.

Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein may be included in a portable electronic device. The components may include any combination of the features described herein, and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of the components of the portable electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an interior volume, as well as the concepts related to the membrane and fluid path, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies for portable electronic devices that include a venting element are described below with reference to fig. 4A-7F.

Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly 400 disposed within a housing 401 of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly 400 may include a housing 402, a grille 404, a membrane 406, a membrane support 408, a gasket or seal 410, an electrical component 412, and a ventilation element 414. The housing 402 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other housings (e.g., housings 202, 302) described herein. The grating 404 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other gratings described herein (e.g., gratings 204, 304). Film 406 may include substantially similar features and functions as other films described herein (e.g., films 206, 306). The membrane support 408 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports (e.g., the gratings 208, 308) described herein. Alternatively, the membrane support 408 may be devoid of any channels (e.g., channels 320) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., to limit inelastic deformation of the membrane 406). Seal 410 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other seals described herein (e.g., seals 210, 310). The electrical component 412 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein (e.g., electrical components 212, 312).

In some examples, the venting element 414 may be disposed adjacent the membrane support 408 and define a fluid path (depicted as arrow 417 in fig. 4A) that places an interior volume 416 of the audio component assembly 400 in fluid communication with a volume external to the audio component assembly 400. As shown in fig. 4A-4C, the venting element 414 can include a first fluid impermeable layer 418A, a second fluid impermeable layer 418B, and a porous material 420 disposed between the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

418A, 418B. In some examples, the fluid

impermeable layers

418A, 418B may define a surface of the venting element 414. The porous material 420 may include a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. For example, the porous material 420 may be made of metal foam. The porous material 420 may be adhered or otherwise attached to the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

418A, 418B, such as by an adhesive, molding, welding, printing, or any other mechanism for attaching the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

418A, 418B to the porous material 420. The fluid path may extend from the central bore 422 of the venting element 414 to the perimeter 424 of the venting element 414. One or more of the fluid

impermeable layers

418A, 418B may include Heat Activated Film (HAF), pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), combinations thereof, or any other polymer-based material.

Additionally or alternatively, the porous material 420 may attenuate sound waves traveling within the ventilation element 414 to reduce or prevent loss of function of the audio component assembly 400. For example, the audio component assembly 400 may be disposed within a housing 401 of the portable electronic device and require ventilation through the same portion of the housing 401 that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element 414 to vent the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel (e.g., through the fluid path) to the audio component assembly 400, thereby reducing or attenuating the functionality of the audio component assembly 400. Accordingly, the ventilation element 414 may be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate sound waves traveling through the ventilation element 414. For example, the properties of the venting element 414 may be varied such that the venting element 414 acts as a low pass filter that attenuates or reduces sound waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz.

The properties of the venting element 414 may include the porosity of the porous material 420, the thickness of the porous material 420, the diameter of the central bore 422, or a combination thereof. For example, when the porous material 420 has a relatively large thickness and/or includes a material with a relatively high porosity, relatively more fluid flow may be achieved through the venting element 414.

As shown in fig. 4B, the ventilation element may be planar and form a circular profile. Although the ventilation element depicted in fig. 4B has a circular profile, the ventilation element 414 may have a profile similar to any geometric shape, such as a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture 422 may enable fluid communication between the membrane 406 and the electrical component 412. For example, movement of the membrane 406 may cause air to travel through an interior volume 416 formed within the audio component assembly 400.

Although the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element 414, in other examples, the fluid path may also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support 408. For example, the membrane support 408 may comprise a porous material disposed between a first fluid impermeable layer and a second fluid impermeable layer.

Fig. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly 500 disposed within a housing 501 of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly 500 may include a housing 502, a grille 504, a membrane 506, a membrane support 508, a gasket or seal 510, an electrical component 512, and a ventilation element 514. The housing 502 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other housings (e.g.,

housings

202, 302, 402) described herein. Grid 504 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other grids described herein (e.g.,

grids

204, 304, 404). The film 506 may include substantially similar features and functions as other films described herein (e.g.,

films

206, 306, 406). The membrane support 508 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports (e.g., the gratings 208, 308) described herein. Alternatively, the membrane support 508 may be devoid of any channels (e.g., channels 320) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., to limit inelastic deformation of the membrane 506). The seal 510 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other seals described herein (e.g., seals 210, 310, 410). The electrical component 512 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other electrical components described herein (e.g.,

electrical components

212, 312, 412).

In some examples, the venting element 514 may be disposed adjacent the membrane support 508 and define a fluid path that places the interior volume 516 of the audio component assembly 500 in fluid communication with a volume external to the audio component assembly 500. As shown in fig. 5A-5C, the venting element 514 can include a first fluid impermeable layer 518A, a second fluid impermeable layer 518B, and a coil 520 disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer 518A and the second fluid impermeable layer 518B. In some examples, the fluid

impermeable layers

518A, 518B may define a surface of the venting element 514. The coil 520 may comprise a metal, metal alloy, polymer, ceramic, or combination thereof. For example, the coil 520 may be a coiled copper wire having a diameter of about 50 microns, less than 10 microns, between about 10 microns and about 20 microns, between about 20 microns and about 40 microns, between about 40 microns and about 60 microns, or less than about 200 microns.

The coil 520 may be adhered or otherwise attached to the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

518A, 518B using an adhesive, welding, fasteners, molding, or a combination thereof. The coil 520 and the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

518A, 518B can form a gap 526 within the venting element 514 that can define one or more fluid pathways (depicted as arrows 517 in fig. 5A) through the venting element 514. The fluid path defined by the venting element 514 may extend from a central aperture 522 of the venting element 514 to a perimeter 524 of the venting element 514. One or more of the fluid

impermeable layers

518A, 518B may comprise Heat Activated Film (HAF), pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), combinations thereof, or any other polymer based material.

Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation element 514 may attenuate sound waves to reduce or prevent loss of functionality of the audio component assembly 500. For example, the audio component assembly 500 may be disposed within a housing 501 of the portable electronic device and require ventilation through the same portion of the housing 501 that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element 514 to vent the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel (e.g., through the fluid path) to the audio component assembly 500, thereby reducing or attenuating the functionality of the audio component assembly 500. Accordingly, the ventilation element 514 may be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate sound waves traveling through the ventilation element 514. For example, the properties of the ventilation element 514 may be varied such that the ventilation element 514 acts as a low pass filter that attenuates or reduces sound waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz.

The properties of the ventilation element 514 may include the diameter of the coil 520, the cross-sectional shape of the coil 520, the size or volume of the gap 526, the diameter of the central bore 522, the number of turns forming the coil 520, or a combination thereof. For example, when the gap 526 formed between the coil 520 and the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

518A, 518B defines a relatively large volume, relatively more fluid flow may be achieved through the venting element 514. Accordingly, the diameter of the coil 520, the cross-sectional shape of the coil 520, or a combination thereof may be manipulated to allow greater fluid flow through the gap 526 within the venting element 514.

As shown in fig. 5B, the ventilation element 514 may be planar and form a circular profile. Although the ventilation element depicted in fig. 5B has a circular profile, the ventilation element 514 may have a profile similar to any geometric shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture 522 may enable fluid communication between the membrane 506 and the electrical component 512. For example, movement of the membrane 506 may cause air to travel through an interior volume 516 formed within the audio component assembly 500.

Although the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element 514, in other examples, the fluid path may also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support 508. For example, the membrane support 508 may include a coil disposed between a first fluid impermeable layer and a second fluid impermeable layer.

Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of audio component assembly 600. The audio component assembly 600 may include a housing 602, a grill 604, a membrane 606, a membrane support 608, a gasket or seal 610, an electrical component 612, and a ventilation element 614. The housing 602 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other housings described herein (e.g.,

housings

202, 302, 402, 502). Grid 604 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other grids described herein (e.g.,

grids

204, 304, 404, 504). The membrane 606 may include substantially similar features and functions as other membranes described herein (e.g.,

membranes

206, 306, 406, 506). The membrane support 608 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein (e.g., the

gratings

208, 308, 408, 508). Alternatively, the membrane support 608 may be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel 320) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., to limit inelastic deformation of the membrane 606). Seal 610 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein (e.g., seals 210, 310, 410, 510). The electrical component 612 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other electrical components described herein (e.g.,

electrical components

212, 312, 412, 512).

In some examples, the venting element 614 may be disposed adjacent the membrane support 608 and define a fluid path that places the interior volume 616 of the audio component assembly 600 in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly 600. As shown in fig. 6A-6C, the ventilation element 614 may include a first fluid impermeable layer 618A, a second fluid impermeable layer 618B, and a coiled tube 620 disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer 618A and the second fluid impermeable layer 618B. In some examples, the fluid

impermeable layers

618A, 618B may define surfaces of the ventilation element 614. The coiled tubing 620 may comprise a metal, metal alloy, polymer, ceramic, or combination thereof. For example, coiled tube 620 may comprise a metal alloy tube coiled about a central axis. In some examples, the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

618A, 618B may comprise a resin or curable adhesive that is poured over the coiled tube 620 to form the venting element 614. As shown in fig. 6C, first and second fluid

impermeable layers

618A, 618B may be formed from a single material enveloping coiled tubing 620. Alternatively, the first and second fluid

impermeable layers

618A, 618B may be formed from different lengths of material, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or some other polymer that is adhered or otherwise attached to the coiled tubing 620 using an adhesive, welding, fasteners, molding, or a combination thereof. The coiled tube 620 may form a conduit 626 (i.e., a fluid path) extending from the central bore 622 of the venting element 614 to the perimeter 624 of the venting element 614. The conduit 626 may be about 50 microns in diameter, less than 10 microns in diameter, between about 10 microns and about 20 microns, between about 20 microns and about 40 microns, between about 40 microns and about 60 microns, or less than about 200 microns in diameter.

Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation elements 614 may attenuate sound waves to reduce or prevent loss of functionality of the audio component assembly 600. For example, the audio component assembly 600 may be disposed within a housing of a portable electronic device and require ventilation through the same portion of the housing that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the ventilation element 614 to ventilate the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel (e.g., through the fluid path) to the audio component assembly 600, thereby reducing or attenuating the functionality of the audio component assembly 600. Accordingly, the ventilation element 614 may be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate sound waves traveling through the ventilation element 614. For example, the properties of the ventilation element 614 may be varied such that the ventilation element 514 acts as a low pass filter that attenuates or reduces sound waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz.

The properties of the ventilation element 614 may include an outer diameter of the coiled tubing 620, a cross-sectional shape of the coiled tubing 620, an inner diameter of the coiled tubing 620 (e.g., a diameter of the conduit 626), a diameter of the central bore 622, or a combination thereof. For example, when the inner diameter of the coiled tubing 620 (e.g., the diameter of the conduit 626) is relatively large, relatively more fluid flow may be achieved by the venting element 614. Thus, the diameter of the conduit 626 may be selected to allow a greater amount of fluid to flow through the ventilation element 614.

As shown in fig. 6B, the ventilation element 614 may be planar and form a circular profile. Although the ventilation element depicted in fig. 6B has a circular profile, the ventilation element 614 may have a profile similar to any geometric shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture 622 may enable fluid communication between the membrane 606 and the electrical component 612. For example, movement of the membrane 606 may cause air to travel through an interior volume 616 formed within the audio component assembly 600.

Although the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element 614, in other examples, the fluid path may also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support 608. For example, the membrane support 608 may include a coiled tube disposed between a first fluid impermeable layer and a second fluid impermeable layer.

Fig. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly 700 disposed within a housing 701 of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly 700 may include a housing 702, a grill 704, a membrane 706, a membrane support 708, a gasket or seal 710, an electrical component 712, and a ventilation element 714. The housing 702 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other housings described herein (e.g.,

housings

202, 302, 402, 502). Grid 704 may include substantially similar features and functionality as the other grids described herein (e.g.,

grids

204, 304, 404, 504). The film 706 can include substantially similar features and functions as other films described herein (e.g.,

films

206, 306, 406, 506). The membrane support 708 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein (e.g., the

gratings

208, 308, 408, 508). Alternatively, the membrane support 708 may be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel 320) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., to limit inelastic deformation of the membrane 706). The seal 710 may include features and functionality substantially similar to other seals described herein (e.g., seals 210, 310, 410, 510). Electrical component 712 may include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein (e.g.,

electrical components

212, 312, 412, 512).

As shown in fig. 7B, the ventilation element 714 may be planar and form a circular profile. Although the ventilation element 714 depicted in fig. 7B has a circular profile, the ventilation element 714 may have a profile similar to any geometric shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture 722 may enable fluid communication between the membrane 706 and the electrical component 712. For example, movement of the membrane 706 may cause air to travel through an interior volume 716 formed within the audio component assembly 700.

Although the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element 714, in other examples, the fluid path may also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support 708. For example, the membrane support 708 may comprise a porous material disposed between a first fluid impermeable layer and a second fluid impermeable layer.

In some examples, the venting element 714 may be disposed adjacent to the film support 708 and define a fluid path (depicted as arrow 717 in fig. 7A and 7F) that places an interior volume 716 of the audio component assembly 700 in fluid communication with a volume external to the audio component assembly 700. As shown in fig. 7A-7F, the venting element 714 can include a first fluid impermeable layer 718A, a second fluid impermeable layer 718B, and a fluid permeable middle layer 720 disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer 718A and the second fluid impermeable layer 718B. In some examples, the fluid

impermeable layers

718A, 718B may define a surface of the venting element 714. The fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may include a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. For example, the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may be made of a porous metal, such as metal foam, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or any other fluid-permeable material. The fluid-permeable middle layer 720 may be adhered or otherwise attached to the first and second fluid-

impermeable layers

718A, 718B, for example, using an adhesive, molding, welding, printing, or any other mechanism for attaching the first and second fluid-

impermeable layers

718A, 718B to the fluid-permeable middle layer 720. One or more of the fluid

impermeable layers

718A, 718B may comprise Heat Activated Film (HAF), pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), combinations thereof, or any other polymer-based material.

In an example, the fluid path may extend from a central aperture 722 or central portion of the venting element 714 to a perimeter 724 of the venting element 714.For example, the first fluid impermeable layer 718A can at least partially form a first channel 726A that extends from the central aperture 722 into the first fluid impermeable layer 718A. In some examples, the first channel 726A may be formed by the first fluid impermeable layer 718A and another component of the audio component assembly 700 (e.g., a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) between the film support 708 or a component of the audio component assembly). The first channel 726A may have a length L along the first channel 726A₁Varying width W₁. For example, the width W of the first channel 726A₁The adjacent central aperture 722 may be larger or wider and may narrow as the first channel 726A extends toward the perimeter 724.

In an example, the second fluid impermeable layer 718B can at least partially form a second channel 726B that extends from the perimeter 724 into the second fluid impermeable layer 718B. In some examples, the second channel 726B may be formed by the second fluid impermeable layer 718B and another component of the audio component assembly 700 (e.g., the spacer 728 or a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) between components of the audio component assembly the second channel 726B may have a length L along the second channel 726B₂Varying width W₂. For example, the width W of the second channel 726B₂The adjacent perimeter 724 may be larger or wider and may narrow as the second channel 726B extends toward the central bore 724.

As shown in fig. 7B-7E, in some examples, each of the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B may be flared or expanded to facilitate alignment of the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B during manufacturing. In other words, the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B may be slightly misaligned yet still form a fluid path because less manufacturing precision is required to overlap the flared profiles of each of the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B. Although the first and second channels are shown as triangular or flared in fig. 7B-7E, the profile or shape of each of the first and

second channels

726A, 726B may be similar to any geometric shape capable of providing the features disclosed herein. For example, one or more of the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B may resemble a triangle, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a diamond, an ellipse, a pentagon, another geometric shape, a free form shape, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 7D shows a top view of the venting element 714 that includes a region 730 of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 disposed between the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B. In other words, the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B overlap on either side of the fluid-permeable middle layer 720 to form an area 730 that allows fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B. For example, the first channel 726A may extend a distance D from the central aperture 722₁Into the first fluid impermeable layer 718A, and the second channel 726B may extend a distance D from the perimeter 724₂Into the second fluid impermeable layer 718B. Distance D₁、D₂May be greater than the total distance D between the perimeter 724 and the central aperture 722_TSuch that region 730 enables fluid (e.g., air) to flow between first channel 726A and second channel 726B. The first and

second channels

726A, 726B and the region 730 may form at least part of a fluid path that enables the pressure within the volume 716 to vent, for example, when the membrane 706 is biased by atmospheric pressure of the environment external to the portable electronic device.

In some examples, distance D₁、D₂May be equal or substantially equal. When the distance D₁Is equal or substantially equal to the distance D₂Then, the region 730 may surround the total distance D_TCentered (e.g., centered about an intermediate position between the perimeter 724 and the central aperture 722). In some examples, distance D₁May be greater or less than distance D₂. When the distance D₁Greater or less than the distance D₂As such, the region 730 may be positioned closer to the central aperture 722 or the perimeter 724. For example, when the distance D₁Greater than the distance D₂When desired, the region 730 may be positioned closer to or closer to the perimeter 724 than the central aperture 722.

The respective distances (e.g., distance D) that the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B extend₁And a distance D₂) The size and shape of region 730 may be formed or defined. For example, as shown in FIG. 7E, a relatively large distance (e.g., distance D)₃And a distance D₄) Can be formed relatively largeArea 730 (i.e., greater than distance D shown by fig. 7D)₁、D₂Formed region 730). The area 730 of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 that enables fluid communication between the first channel 726A and the second channel 726B may have a dimension of at least 0.005mm²About 0.005mm²To about 0.01mm²About 0.01mm²To about 0.03mm²About 0.03mm²To about 0.05mm²About 0.05mm²To about 0.07mm²About 0.07mm²To about 0.1mm²Or greater than 0.1mm²。

The size of the region 730, the thickness of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720, and the material or materials of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may determine the amount of fluid that may pass through the fluid path. In some examples, the thickness of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may be at least 5 μm, about 5 μm to about 15 μm, about 15 μm to about 20 μm, about 20 μm to about 25 μm, about 25 μm to about 30 μm, about 30 μm to about 40 μm, about 40 μm to about 60 μm, or greater than 60 μm. In some examples, the airflow flow along the fluid path defined by the ventilation element 714 can be at least 0.5SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 1SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 1.5SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 1.5SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 2SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 2SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 4SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 4SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 8SCCM at 0.1 bar, or greater than 8SCCM at 0.1 bar. Although this range of airflow rates is described with reference to the examples shown in fig. 7A to 7F, these airflow rates are equally applicable to the examples shown in fig. 2 to 6C and the examples shown in fig. 8 to 10.

Additionally, the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may attenuate sound waves traveling within the ventilation element 714 to reduce or prevent loss of functionality of the audio component assembly 700. For example, the audio component assembly 700 may be disposed within a housing 701 of the portable electronic device and require ventilation through the same portion of the housing 701 that forms the back volume of the speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element 714 to vent the relative pressure may also enable sound waves from the speaker to travel (e.g., through the fluid path) to the audio component assembly 700, thereby reducing or attenuating the functionality of the audio component assembly 700. Accordingly, the ventilation element 714 may be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate sound waves traveling through the ventilation element 714. For example, the properties of the venting element 714 may be varied such that the venting element 714 acts as a low pass filter that attenuates or reduces sound waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. The properties of the venting element 714 may include the porosity or permeability of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720, the thickness of the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720, the diameter of the central aperture 722, the area and size of the region 730, the respective thicknesses of the first and second fluid-

impermeable layers

718A, 718B, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 7F shows a cross-sectional view of a venting element 714 that includes first and second fluid

impermeable layers

718A, 718B, a fluid permeable intermediate layer 720, and a fluid pathway 717 extending through region 730. In some examples, the portion of the fluid path 717 extending through the fluid-permeable intermediate layer 720 may be tortuous or non-linear to attenuate or reflect acoustic waves propagating along the fluid path 717.

Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein may be included in a portable electronic device. The components may include any combination of the features described herein, and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of the components of the portable electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an interior volume, as well as the concepts related to the membrane and fluid path, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies for portable electronic devices that include enclosures are described below with reference to fig. 8-10.

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device 800 including a housing 802 and an audio component assembly 804 disposed within the housing 802. Audio component assembly 804 may include features and components that are substantially similar in function to other audio component assemblies described herein (e.g., any one or more of

audio component assemblies

200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700). For example, the audio component volume 806 may experience a change in relative pressure (e.g., the pressure within the audio component volume 806 relative to the pressure of the ambient environment 808 outside of the audio component volume 806). For example, changes in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure may change the relative pressure within audio component volume 806. The fluctuations in relative pressure may degrade components (e.g., membranes) of the audio component assembly 804 or otherwise cause the audio component assembly 804 to perform poorly.

Thus, venting audio component volume 806 may facilitate adjusting the relative pressure within audio component volume 806, thereby preventing damage to audio component assembly 804. In some examples, the venting elements (e.g., venting

elements

132, 208, 308, 414, 514, 614, 714) may provide a fluid path (shown by arrow 810) that places the audio component volume 806 in fluid communication with an external volume 812 defined by the housing 802. However, other components within the housing 802 may interfere with or negatively affect the performance of the audio component assembly 804. For example, a speaker 814 disposed within the housing 802 may emit one or more sound waves 816 that may propagate through the fluid path 810 and negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly 804.

In some examples, the audio component assembly 804 may include an enclosure 818 having one or more vents 820 that inhibit or prevent one or more sound waves 816 from propagating into the audio component volume 806, yet still provide fluid communication between the audio component volume 806 and the external volume 812. In an example, the enclosure 818 may be fluid impermeable except at the vent 820. The vent 820 may enable fluid communication between the audio component volume 806 and the external volume 812 such that a pressure differential between the audio component volume 806 and the ambient environment 808 may be at least partially equalized. The vent 820 may be formed of a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates the acoustic waves 816. For example, the vent 820 may include a porous material, such as a metal or polymer-based open cell foam, that enables fluid to pass through the vent 820. The vent 820 may be attached to the enclosure 818 using an adhesive, one or more fasteners, molding, co-molding, welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding), or a combination thereof. Although the vents 820 are shown on a particular sidewall 824B of the enclosure 818, the vents 820 may be positioned on any sidewall (e.g., sidewalls 824A, 824B, 824C) or other surface of the enclosure 818.

The enclosure 818 may be directly coupled to the audio component assembly 804, the housing 802 of the portable electronic device 800, or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure 818 may be press fit, fastened, adhered, molded or otherwise attached to the audio component assembly 804, as shown in fig. 8. The enclosure 818 may at least partially form an intermediate volume 822 in fluid communication with both the audio component volume 806 and the external volume 812. The capsule 818 may comprise metal, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure 818 may be formed from a stamped aluminum sheet or a machined aluminum blank. The enclosure 818 may be molded, machined, stamped, cast, or manufactured in any other way.

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device 900 that includes a housing 902 and an audio component assembly 904 disposed within the housing 902. Audio component assembly 904 may include features and components that are substantially similar in function to other audio component assemblies described herein (e.g., any one or more of

audio component assemblies

200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 804). The audio component assembly 904 may define or form an audio component assembly volume 906. The pressure within the volume 906 may vary relative to the atmospheric pressure of the ambient environment 908 outside the housing 902.

In some examples, a venting element (e.g., venting

elements

132, 208, 308, 414, 514, 614, 714) may provide a fluid path (shown by arrow 910) that places audio component volume 906 in fluid communication with an exterior volume 912 defined by housing 902. However, other components within housing 902 may interfere with or negatively affect the performance of audio component assembly 904. For example, a speaker 914 disposed within the housing 902 may emit one or more sound waves 916 that may propagate through the fluid path 910 and negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly 904.

In some examples, audio component assembly 904 may be substantially surrounded by enclosure 918 with one or more vents 920 that inhibit or prevent one or more sound waves 916 from propagating into audio component volume 906, yet still provide fluid communication between audio component volume 906 and external volume 912. In an example, the enclosure 818 may be fluid impermeable except at the vent 820. Vent 920 may enable fluid communication between audio component volume 906 and external volume 912 such that a pressure differential between audio component volume 906 and ambient environment 908 may be equalized. The vent 920 may be formed of a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates the acoustic waves 916. For example, the vent 920 may include a porous material, such as a metal or polymer-based open cell foam, that enables fluid to pass through the vent 920. The vent 920 may be attached to the enclosure 918 using an adhesive, one or more fasteners, molding, co-molding, welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding), or a combination thereof. While the vents 920 are shown on a particular sidewall 924B of the enclosure 918, one or more vents 920 may be positioned on one or more sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls 924A, 924B, 924C) or any other surface of the enclosure 918.

The enclosure 918 may be directly coupled to the audio component assembly 904, the housing 902 of the portable electronic device 900, or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure 918 may be fastened, adhered, molded, or otherwise attached to the housing 902. The enclosure 918 may at least partially form an intermediate volume 922 in fluid communication with both the audio component volume 906 and the external volume 912. The capsule 918 may comprise metal, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure 918 may be formed from a stamped aluminum sheet or a machined aluminum blank. The enclosure 918 may be molded, machined, stamped, cast, or manufactured in any other way thereof.

Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device 1000 that includes a housing 1002 and an audio component assembly 1004 disposed within the housing 1002. Audio component assembly 1004 may include features and components that are substantially similar in function to other audio component assemblies described herein (e.g., any one or more of

audio component assemblies

200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 804, 904). The audio component assembly 1004 may define or form an audio component assembly volume 1006. The pressure within the volume 1006 may vary relative to the atmospheric pressure of the ambient environment 1008 outside of the housing 1002.

In some examples, the venting elements (e.g., venting

elements

132, 208, 308, 414, 514, 614, 714) may provide a fluid path (shown by arrow 1010) that places the audio component volume 1006 in fluid communication with an external volume 1012 defined by the housing 1002. However, other components within the housing 1002 may interfere with or negatively affect the performance of the audio component assembly 1004. For example, a speaker 1014 disposed within the housing 1002 may emit one or more sound waves 1016 that may propagate through the fluid path 1010 and negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly 1004.

In some examples, the audio component assembly 1004 may be substantially surrounded by an enclosure 1018 that inhibits or limits the propagation of one or more sound waves 1016 into the audio component volume 1006, yet provides fluid communication between the audio component volume 1006 and the exterior volume 1012. In an example, the enclosure 1018 may be fluid permeable to enable fluid communication between the audio component volume 1006 and the external volume 1012 such that a pressure differential between the audio component volume 1006 and the ambient environment 1008 may be equalized. The enclosure 1018 may be formed of one or more materials that are in fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuate the acoustic waves 1016. For example, the enclosure 1018 may include a fluid permeable layer 1020 (such as a metal or polymer-based open cell foam) that enables fluid to flow through the enclosure 1018 while reducing or blocking the transmission of sound waves into the audio component volume 1006. The fluid permeable layer 1020 may be attached to a support structure 1022 that is positioned around the audio component assembly 1004.

In an example, the support structure 1022 may be a rigid structure that supports the fluid permeable layer 1020 in a fixed position relative to the audio component assembly 1004. For example, support structures 1022 may be stamped, machined, cast, or molded from a semi-rigid material (e.g., a polymer, ceramic, metal, or combination thereof).

The enclosure 1018 may be directly coupled to the audio component assembly 1004, the housing 1002 of the portable electronic device 1000, or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure 1018 may be fastened, adhered, molded, or otherwise attached to the housing 1002. The enclosure 1018 may at least partially form an intermediate volume 1026 in fluid communication with both the audio component volume 1006 and the external volume 1012.

Within the limits applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data from a variety of sources may be used to improve the delivery of heuristic content or any other content to a user that may be of interest to the user. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or may be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, personal information, and/or personal information,

ID. Home address, data or records relating to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the disclosed technology may be useful to benefit a user. For example, the personal information data may be used to deliver target content that is of greater interest to the user. Thus, using such personal information data enables the user to have planned control over the delivered content. In addition, the present disclosure also contemplates other uses for which personal information data is beneficial to a user. For example, health and fitness data may be used to provide insight into the overall health condition of a user, or may be used as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should enforce and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data is collected and/or used. Personal information from the user should be collected for legitimate and legitimate uses by the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. Furthermore, such acquisition/sharing should be performed after receiving user informed consent. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data, and to ensure that others who have access to the personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third party evaluations to prove compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to the particular type of personal information data collected and/or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the united states, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the health insurance association and accountability act (HIPAA); while other countries may have health data subject to other regulations and policies and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates examples in which a user selectively prevents use or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and/or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to ad delivery services, the disclosed technology may be configured to allow a user to opt-in or opt-out of participating in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration services. In another example, the user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for the targeted content delivery service. In another example, the user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is kept, or to prohibit the development of the underlying emotional condition altogether. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to accessing or using personal information. For example, the user may be notified that their personal information data is to be accessed when the application is downloaded, and then be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification may be used to protect the privacy of the user. De-identification may be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data on a user), and/or other methods, as appropriate.

Thus, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed examples, this disclosure also contemplates that various examples may also be implemented without having to access such personal information data. That is, various examples of the disclosed technology do not fail to function properly due to lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the examples may be practiced without the specific details. Thus, the foregoing description of the specific examples described herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

a housing at least partially defining a first interior volume; and

an audio component defining a second interior volume, the audio component comprising:

a film; and

a venting element defining a fluid path extending from the first interior volume to the second interior volume.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ventilation element comprises:

a first layer at least partially defining a first channel extending from a central portion of the ventilation element;

a second layer at least partially defining a second channel extending from a perimeter of the ventilation element; and

a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein:

the length of the first channel is greater than half of the distance between the central portion and the periphery; and is

The length of the second channel is greater than half of the distance.

4. The electronic device defined in claim 2 wherein the fluid-permeable interlayer comprises an area disposed between the first channel and the second channel that places the first channel and the second channel in fluid communication.

5. The electronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the audio component comprises a microphone.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein:

a width of the first channel narrows as the first channel extends from the central portion; and is

The width of the second channel narrows as the second channel extends from the perimeter.

7. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the fluid-permeable interlayer further comprises a porous metal.

8. The electronic device defined in claim 1 further comprising an enclosure disposed within the housing and at least partially enclosing the audio component, the enclosure defining a third internal volume, the fluid path placing the first, second and third internal volumes in fluid communication.

9. An audio component, the audio component comprising:

a housing at least partially defining an interior volume;

a membrane at least partially defining the interior volume; and

a venting element in fluid communication with the interior volume, the venting element defining a fluid path extending from the interior volume to an environment external to the housing.

10. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the fluid path extends from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element.

11. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the ventilation element comprises:

a first layer at least partially defining a first channel;

a second layer at least partially defining a second channel; and

12. The audio component of claim 11, wherein:

the first and second channels extend parallel to the fluid-permeable intermediate layer;

the width of the first channel varies along the length of the first channel;

the width of the second channel varies along the length of the second channel; and is

A region of the flow-permeable body intermediate layer is disposed between the first channel and the second channel.

13. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the ventilation element further comprises:

a first fluid impermeable layer;

a second fluid impermeable layer; and

a porous layer disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer and the second fluid impermeable layer, the porous layer defining at least a portion of the fluid pathway.

14. The audio component of claim 13, wherein the porous layer comprises a metal foam.

15. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the ventilation element further comprises:

a fluid impermeable layer; and

a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer, at least a portion of the fluid pathway being defined by the fluid impermeable layer and the coiled member.

16. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the ventilation element further comprises:

a fluid impermeable layer; and

a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer, the coiled member defining a catheter and at least a portion of the fluid pathway being formed by the catheter.

17. The audio component of claim 9, wherein the audio component comprises at least one of a speaker or a microphone.

18. A venting element for a portable electronic device, the venting element comprising:

a fluid impermeable layer defining a surface of the ventilation element; and

a fluid permeable layer disposed adjacent to the fluid impermeable layer, the fluid permeable layer defining a fluid pathway extending from a central portion of the ventilation element to a perimeter of the ventilation element.

19. The venting element of claim 18, wherein the fluid permeable layer defines a channel extending from the central portion toward the perimeter, the channel forming at least a portion of the fluid pathway.

20. The venting element of claim 18, wherein at least one of the fluid impermeable layer or the fluid permeable layer comprises a polymer.